By Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Summer is prime time for big concerts and big games. But not reading the fine print on a ticket, or getting caught up in a scam, can leave fans on the outside looking in. 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan has some important advice for ticket buyers.

A rush to snag tickets for a favorite band or a big sporting event can lead consumers to companies or websites where they wouldn’t otherwise do business or entice them to respond to online classifieds where it’s “buyer beware.”

So The National Consumers League urges ticket-shoppers to pay close attention, including:

-Note the URL before making an online purchase. Scammers can set up fake sites.

-Buy tickets with a credit card for added fraud protection.

-Be prepared for additional fees like shipping or convenience charges on top of the ticket price.

-Read the fine print on a ticket. If it’s a Will Call or paperless ticket, ticketholders may be required to present the purchasing credit card and photo ID for admission and can be non-transferable. That’s especially important if the tickets are a gift or purchased on behalf of someone else.

Also be sure to check out the vendor’s guarantee policy before you buy. Established online ticket exchanges and resale sites will often replace or refund a ticket if a customer receives the wrong tickets, fake tickets, or if the event is canceled.